GCRF-BBR: The Global Vector Hub - The global open access community for vector control information and research

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The Global Vector Hub is an open access, interactive resource that will improve the control of life-threatening vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue and Zika. Vector-borne diseases impact over half of the world's population and exacerbate poverty by disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable societies in the least-developed countries. The Global Vector Hub not only has the capacity to transform vector research and vector control programmes, but revolutionise our preparedness and ability to respond quickly and effectively to vector-borne disease outbreaks. We aim to bring together researchers and health workers on the largest scale ever seen, cutting across several disciplines, diseases and vectors around the world by developing a global platform for collecting, sharing and disseminating data and information. By working collaboratively with organisations such as the WHO, CDC and The Global Health Network, we will create an information resource with useful data, tools, guidelines and online networking for scientists interested in controlling diseases transmitted by insects, heath workers and programme managers facilitating the support of those affected by vector-borne diseases and policy makers able to make changes in the approach to disease outbreaks at a government level. Using state-of the-art software, the Global Vector Hub will identify and share what vector research and control is being done where and by whom, strengthening research around the world and helping to share data and information for the welfare and economic development of countries.The tools that the Global Vector Hub will utilise to ensure a successful resource will include the following:1. Mosquito databaseA database of vectors, their distributions, diseases transmitted, biology and preferred habitats available for download or for filtering.1.1. Mosquito distribution mapAn interactive map will be a core feature, showing the distribution of vector species across the world and providing pop-up summary details about the diseases transmitted.1.2. Country-specific contentCountry-specific data will be reached through the map and provide more in-depth information, including current vector control methods, who is doing vector control, research institutions and emergency response organisations.2. Site finderWill contain a list of research organisations, institutions and vector control programmes. The site finder will be a unique resource within the Global Vector Hub that can quickly put users into contact with others working in their field.3. ResourcesThe Resources section will provide online articles, links and downloadable documents in three main areas:3.1. Training and educational materialsTraining and educational materials available on the site will give introductions to key subjects, and will host standard operating procedures.3.1.1. Standard operating procedures3.1.2. Summary documents3.1.3. Educational resources3.2. Vector control product testing and selectionThis section will give users easy access to lists of products that have been approved by WHO and links to their manufacturers, as well as contacts details for sites available for testing novel products. It will also provide guidance on how to select suitable vector-control products.3.3. Online linksAn extensive database will provide links to established online resources, ranging from vector control programme websites to mosquito identification tools. These will be structured in the following sections4. Discussion forumsThe Global Vector Hub intends to create lively discussions on the following subjects between scientists working on different diseases, different vectors and different control tools, policy-makers, healthcare workers and vector control implementers.